African leaders are set to reignite the debate over slavery and colonial reparations at the African Union (AU) summit in Addis Ababa, but they are bracing for strong resistance from former colonial powers that have largely dismissed the notion of making amends for historical injustices. As calls for reparations gain global momentum, so too has the backlash, with Western leaders—including U.S. President Donald Trump—firmly opposing financial compensation or policy reforms to address the legacies of slavery and colonial rule.
The AU summit aims to develop a “unified vision” for reparations, addressing centuries of exploitation that saw at least 12.5 million Africans kidnapped and sold into slavery by European traders between the 15th and 19th centuries. Beyond financial compensation, AU leaders are also advocating for formal acknowledgments of past wrongs, land restitution, policy changes to dismantle structural inequalities, and the return of stolen cultural artifacts. The AU’s Economic, Social, and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) emphasized that the continent’s economic struggles, environmental vulnerabilities, and social disparities are deeply rooted in colonialism and slavery.
Advocates argue that Africa’s debt crisis and its disproportionate exposure to climate change are direct consequences of colonial-era economic exploitation. While Africa contributes minimally to global carbon emissions, its fragile ecosystems bear the brunt of climate-related disasters. The AU is pushing for international accountability, potentially through legal actions in international courts or diplomatic pressure on nations that profited from the transatlantic slave trade.
Efforts to secure reparations have been met with fierce opposition in Europe. In Portugal, the far-right party Chega labeled discussions on reparations as “treason,” while in Britain, conservative leader Nigel Farage warned against engaging in negotiations. In France, President Emmanuel Macron dismissed financial reparations, instead calling for “reconciliation.” Right-wing populism continues to shape global resistance to reparations, making it increasingly difficult to hold constructive debates on the issue.
The AU’s alliance with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) represents a significant step in the global reparations movement. CARICOM’s comprehensive reparation plan includes demands for technology transfers, economic investments, and initiatives to combat health crises and illiteracy—critical areas where the legacies of colonial rule persist. Despite ongoing efforts, progress has been slow. Three decades after the AU’s predecessor, the Organization of African Unity (OAU), issued a declaration demanding reparations, little has been achieved.
African leaders recognize that simply discussing reparations at the summit is not enough. Without actionable resolutions and strategic enforcement mechanisms, the movement risks stalling in the face of Western resistance. As global debates intensify, the question remains: will African nations succeed in compelling former colonial powers to acknowledge and redress centuries of exploitation, or will the push for reparations continue to be met with political stonewalling?
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